The Hammers have racked up five wins from ten games, leaving them in fifth place in the Premier League table - a far cry from their 13th place finish last season.

With co-chairman David Sullivan announcing that Allardyce may sign a new contract at the end of this season, the future looks bright for West Ham - especially with the impending move to the Olympic Stadium.

If the Hammers have a shot at earning a Europa League spot for next season, Allardyce may well be backed with more signings in the January transfer window - and Connor Wickham may be back on his radar.

The Sunderland striker took a while to settle on Wearside, but found his feet at the end of last season, and has scored nine goals in the his last 27 games for the Black Cats.

Yet with the 21-year-old's contract set to expire next summer, Gus Poyet's side are reportedly preparing for Wickham to leave the club whether in January or the summer.

West Ham have fared well with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia up front, but Sakho's recent injury has left the Hammers slightly short up top, particularly with Andy Carroll still out of action.

Carlton Cole offered little against Stoke City last weekend, and with Mauro Zarate better suited to playing in the whole behind the strikers in Allardyce's diamond midfield, there could yet be scope for Wickham to be targeted.

The former Ipswich man isn't the typical target man, as he does offer mobility too, and we've already seen how successful someone in that mould can be for Allardyce after Sakho's exploits early this season.

Another bid in the region of £5m may tempt Sunderland in the New Year, as Wickham's contract gets closer and closer to ending - and a move to an emerging West Ham side could be a great move for the youngster.

Olly Dawes

Olly is a Sports Management graduate and aspiring journalist, with most of his work surrounding football or NFL. He has formed two of his own sites, as well as contributing to a number of others before starting with Here Is The City.